Image Comics Plans New 'All-America' Hero for 2017 Series (Exclusive)

With Captain America having turned to the dark side, it's clear that the U.S. needs a new hero to look up to — and, luckily enough, she's just about to arrive.

Introducing America Vasquez, the star of Image Comics' All-America Comix, a series set for launch in 2017. Created by Man of Action Entertainment's Joe Casey and artist Nick Dragotta, America is ready to kick ass, take names and discover what lies behind the mysteries of existence itself. So, you know, nothing too big.

The promo text for the new comic book sets up the tone for what's to come: "You wanted it! You got it! She is a hero for our time — and the time is NOW! A superpowered champion of the oppressed, AMERICA VASQUEZ is the one you've been waiting for! And this may be her greatest adventure of all. When she is confronted with the hidden secrets of the universe, you won't believe the cosmic truth she uncovers! Issue #1 hits — and we do mean HITS — in 2017 from Image Comics!"

Casey is an old hand when it comes to this level of cosmic comic book overload — in addition to runs on DC Entertainment's Superman and Marvel's Uncanny X-Men, his resume includes Catalyst Comix and Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers, both distillations of 1970s and '80s ambitious grandeur with a contemporary swagger.

If this new character seems somewhat familiar, there's a reason for that; she bears a resemblance to Miss America Chavez, a character Casey and Dragotta created for Marvel Entertainment in 2011 for the Vengeance comic book series. Miss America Chavez went on to appear in Marvel's Young Avengers and Ultimates series but, despite a fervent fan following, has never been awarded a series of her own.